[AD – contains affiliate links] This is my ultimate guide to the best hotels in Derbyshire – from luxurious boltholes and the best boutique hotels to some glorious cosy pubs with rooms… Born in Derby, I’ve known this area all my life – I’ve lived in the county for the last twenty years and have been blogging about Derbyshire for the last five including having my own column in glossy lifestyle magazine Derbyshire Life – trust me when I say I know about Derbyshire hotels! I’ve had the pleasure of staying in some of the county’s best accommodation. Here’s my all-time favourite hotels in Derbyshire.
Everywhere I’ve profiled in detail is somewhere I’ve stayed myself – tried and trusted Derbyshire stays. Then at the end of the article I’ve racked my Derbyshire blogger brains to compile a wish list of other places. These are the Derbyshire hotels that I would feel confident recommending to friends and family.
Hotels in Derbyshire
The luxurious spa hotel: Ensana Buxton Crescent
Housed in an iconic Grade 1 listed building, in a truly exquisite setting, Ensana Buxton Crescent is a sumptuous, luxurious hotel in Derbyshire with an amazing spa. I was lucky enough to stay in a huge suite, with separate bedroom, bathroom, and lounge/office area with a magnificent rolltop bath which looked out on to the beautiful, historic crescent. The perfect setting to relax in bubbles and daydream you’re in Bridgerton. The décor was gorgeous – period features coupled with contemporary comfort in chic muted tones of grey and putty.
The spa is probably my favourite in Derbyshire. The restorative properties of Buxton’s thermal mineral water have been harnessed in a traditional, luxurious spa environment. There’s a good range of spa facilities including three different pool areas, including an indoor to outdoor stunning rooftop pool. Plus three different types of sauna and two different steam rooms and an ice fountain. Everywhere was spotlessly clean, the therapists seemed knowledgeable and the Tranquillity Pro-Sleep Massage was out of this world divine.
The restaurant menu struck a good balance of offering plenty of healthy, lighter options, whilst also offering more substantial dishes for those of us who equate relaxation with good food. It was also pleasing to see a good wine list including Coravin.
Details: Buxton Crescent Health Spa Hotel, The Crescent, Buxton, SK17 6BH. No car park but valeting parking for £20 or the hotel is just a five minute walk from Buxton train station.
The historic coaching inn: The Rutland Arms Bakewell
Situated in the centre of Bakewell, The Rutland Arms is a 19th century coaching inn. With just thirty two bedrooms and having enjoyed a complete refurbishment, it’s a beautifully stylish place to explore the Peak District.
We were allocated the Cavendish Room which was a beautiful, if bijou, deluxe four poster suite. I loved the stylish, colourful soft furnishing and all the old photographs. There’s a real sense of history and heritage throughout the hotel. This historic coaching inn is thought to be where Jane Austen stayed whilst writing much of Pride and Prejudice and there are lots of nods to her throughout the place.
There are several attractive lounge areas, some with roaring fires in the colder months, including a stylish bar area and a coffee lounge. The gorgeously romantic restaurant focuses on locally sourced, quality ingredients with plenty of seasonal specials.
Details: The Rutland Arms, The Square, Bakewell, DE45 1BT, Tel: 01629 812812. Dog friendly in the bar and some dog friendly rooms available. Parking is very limited – read my full blog for more details.
The luxury hotel with golf course: Morley Hayes
Morley Hayes is an award-winning, luxurious hotel, restaurant and bar on a picturesque golf course. Easily accessible from Derby city centre but situated in stunning countryside, this is the perfect tranquil country hideaway. I stayed here the night before my wedding four years ago, but the reviews are consistently great so it looks like the same high standards have been upheld.
There are a range of executive rooms, luxurious suites and family friendly rooms. All 32 bedrooms enjoy a private terrace or balcony overlooking the parkland golf course and beautiful Derbyshire countryside beyond. There are a range of dining options available, from the sumptuous Dovecote restaurant to the more casual, bar style, Roosters. Plenty of attractive garden seating is also available. After a refreshing sleep, enjoy a cooked to order Derbyshire breakfast.
Details: Morley Hayes, Main Road, Morley, DE7 6QA, Tel: 01332 780480. Large car park with electric vehicle charging point. Disabled facilities including wheelchair accessible showers.
The perfect all-rounder: Peak Edge Hotel
This is the one hotel I haven’t actually had the pleasure of staying at, but having worked with their marketing team at sister venue, Casa Hotel for nearly six months during which time I was often based at Peak Edge, I do have extensive knowledge of the venue – and it is somewhere that I would very much like to stay. Multi-award winning, family owned and proudly independent, Peak Edge Hotel offers the perfect rural escape, seeped in laidback luxury.
This Derbyshire hotel is perfectly placed to explore the Peak District – with Chatsworth House and other key attractions just a short drive or cycle away. Large, spacious rooms with plenty of space to unwind (the suites are something else – the ultimate in indulgence – but even their standard rooms are spacious and thoughtfully decorated, often with pieces of family furniture – providing a real sense of place). The staff are warm and keen to engage – and the overall feeling is that you are in safe hands.
The beautiful bar areas are second to none and the perfect spot to relax and unwind before dining in the Red Lion Restaurant. The two AA Rosette venue prides itself on it’s ‘farm to table’ philosophy. Much of the produce is directly sourced from the owner’s farm next door and menus crafted by Executive Chef Ben Peverall celebrate the finest quality seasonal produce.
Details: Peak Edge Hotel, Darley Road, Stone Edge, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S45 0LW, Telephone 01246 566142. Ample parking including EV points. Nearest bus stop two minutes walk away. Designated dog friendly rooms available to book in advance.
Pubs with Rooms in Derbyshire
The Cow at Dalbury Lees near Ashbourne
The Cow is a beautifully cosy, traditional country pub with a number of stylish, boutique rooms and friendly service. I loved all the thoughtful little touches such as the the Molton & Browne reed diffuser, Nespresso coffee machine and a HUGE selection of herbal teas, a lovely cosy blanket, bathrobes and so on.
In addition to the cosy bar area, The Cow hosts a popular seafood restaurant, The Catch. Breakfast was also good, consisting of a continental buffet and then your choice cooked to order.
Details: Dalbury Lees is a tiny little village about a ten minute drive from Ashbourne. DE6 5BE. On site free parking, including some electric car charging points.
Nearby: Lovely country walks straight from the pub. Ashbourne, a pretty market town with lots of independent shops and cafés etc is less than a fifteen minute drive away. The Peak District is not far beyond Ashbourne. Kedleston Hall, an attractive National Trust property is very close (in the summer months they have the most stunning wild flower borders). You could also explore Derby city centre.
The Boot at Repton, South Derbyshire
The Boot is a characterful, historic coaching inn boasting an exceptionally good restaurant and a small number of bedrooms. Rooms are individually decorated and recently refurbished and offer a clean, comfortable stay – but the real draw here is the quality of the restaurant – one of the most enjoyable meals I have eaten this year.
Details: The Boot, 12 Boot Hill, Repton, DE65 6FT. Dogfriendly (advise in advance). Limited parking but reserved for residents.
The Dragon Willington, South Derbyshire
The Dragon is a charming 150 year old village pub with a canal-side beer garden and private igloos/domes. The room we stayed in was lovely. There are seven rooms at The Cottage. Each individually styled and well equipped. Our room was tastefully decorated, with a beautiful, if small, bathroom. Everything was spotlessly clean. Despite being situated on the main road we weren’t bothered by any noise. Delicious dining including expansive, cooked to order breakfast menu.
Details: The Dragon Willington, DE65 6BP, 01283 704795. On site free parking.
The stylish holiday let: High Flatts Barn, Tissington
Located just off the popular Tissington Trail, just outside the chocolate-box-pretty village of Tissington, High Flatts Barn enjoys stunning panoramic views of the surrounding fields. Recently fully renovated to an exceptionally high standard, the holiday cottage has been beautifully decorated in a chic, contemporary style that perfectly highlights the period features of the old barn.
Everything was spotlessly clean and somehow the accommodation felt light and airy and yet wonderfully cosy with the log burner and plenty of soft blankets to snuggle under. The perfect place to relax and unwind.
Details: High Flatts Barn, Tissington. Dog friendly and pets welcome. Ample private parking with EV charging point available on request. Nearest bus stop is in Tissington village a five minute walk away.
My other recommendations of hotels in Derbyshire
I haven’t stayed at these places (yet!). But here’s where’s top of my list and where I would feel confident recommending to friends and family.
Wild Hive, Callow Hall
Nestled in 35 acres of gardens, wild meadow and woodland, this Victorian country house hideaway was named Hotel of the Year by GQ magazine in 2022. Book now.
The Blind Bull, near Buxton
This 12th century inn has recently been restored to its former glory and features an excellent restaurant and beautifully situated beer garden. Book now.
The Cavendish in Baslow
A blissfully luxurious, upmarket country hotel, perfectly located to explore the Chatsworth Estate of which it is part. Book now.
Fischers Baslow Hall
Upmarket, fine dining country hotel. Book now.
The Peacock at Rowsley
Part of the Haddon Estate, a quintessentially English historic hotel offering fine dining in its exceptional restaurant (which I have had the pleasure of experiencing and thoroughly recommend). Book now.
The Maynard in Grindleford
I visited for Sunday lunch last spring and was struck by just how lovely this country hotel is. Perfectly situated for exploring Padley Gorge, there’s a cosy bar, great restaurant and lovely gardens. Since then the hotel has enjoyed some significant renovations and looks even more stunning. Book now.
The Bulls Head, Holymoorside
Since Chef Patron, Mark Aisthorpe’s appearance on BBC’s ‘Great British Menu’ as a regional finalist, The Bulls Head in Holymoorside is now firmly established as a foodie destination. This unassuming gastro pub has recently renovated three bedrooms, two of which with stunning copper bathtubs. Book now.
The Old Hall Hotel, Chinley
Good luck trying to secure a booking here (because I can’t!) but I hear that if you can, expect exceptionally delicious food and drink and a wonderful ambiance. Book now.
2 replies on “Insider Guide to the Best Hotels in Derbyshire”
I think if/when I ever get back to the UK, I will have to make a point to spend some time exploring Derbyshire (and stay in some of these hotels)!
Oh you must! 🙂